Acquisition and presentation of dynamic media asset information for events

ABSTRACT

Embodiments disclosed allow a user of an electronic device to obtain dynamic media asset information, such as media assets information concerning events. The obtained media asset information can be then presented via the electronic device in a convenient and efficient manner. According to one embodiment, a show time request for a media asset can be transmitted to a media server. In response to the show time request, event information for a plurality of event sites showing the requested media asset can be received. The event sites are selected based upon proximity to the location reference. The event information can include a plurality of show times for the requested media asset at at least a first one of the event sites. The plurality of show times can be presented on a graphical timeline displayed on a display of a computing device. A map image can also be presented to depict a geographic area derived from the event information for each of the plurality of event sites.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are various Internet-based sites through which individuals canobtain and search for event times, fares, and purchase tickets forevents from their own personal computer, without ever speaking to orvisiting an event agent. For example, the events can be held at a movietheater, stadium, or other similar event locations. However, while theseonline sites allow for the purchase of event tickets in a somewhat moreconvenient manner, a user, typically has to visit and research severalwebsites in order to locate the best fares and/or times for a givenevent. In any case, current Internet-based sites are unable to optimallydeliver search results for events. Moreover, current Internet-basedsites are not able to visually display the search results in anefficient and/or visually pleasing manner. Thus, there remains a needfor improved search and presentation capabilities for events.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention allow a user of an electronic device (e.g.,computing device) to obtain dynamic media asset information, such asmedia assets information concerning events. The obtained media assetinformation can also be presented via the electronic device in aconvenient and efficient manner.

Various embodiments of the invention can be implemented in numerousways, including as a method, system, device, apparatus (includingcomputer readable medium and graphical user interface). Severalembodiments of the invention are discussed below.

According to one embodiment, a show time request for a media asset canbe transmitted to a media server. In response to the show time request,event information for a plurality of event sites showing the requestedmedia asset can be received. The event sites are selected based uponproximity to the location reference. The event information can include aplurality of show times for the requested media asset at at least afirst one of the event sites. The plurality of show time can bepresented on a graphical timeline displayed on a display of a computingdevice. A map image can also be presented to depict a geographic areaderived from the event information for each of the plurality of eventsites.

According to another embodiment, a graphical user interface can be usedto obtain and present dynamic media asset information on a display of acomputing device. The graphical user interface can have a first sectionconfigured to display a plurality of graphical timelines. Each of theplurality of graphical timelines can be associated with one of aplurality of event sites, and each of the plurality of graphicaltimelines can represent a plurality of show times for a requested mediaasset showing at one of the plurality of event sites. The graphical userinterface can also have a second section configured to present a mapimage depicting a geographic area derived from event location data for afirst subset of the plurality of event sites. The map image can includea map indicator representing a location of at least one of the pluralityof event sites in the first subset of the plurality of event sites onthe map image, where the first subset of the plurality of event sitescan be selected based upon proximity to a location reference.

The invention also provides other hardware configured to perform themethods of the invention, as well as software stored in amachine-readable medium (e.g., a non-transitory or tangible storagemedium) to control devices to perform these methods or interfaces. Theseand other features will be presented in more detail in the followingdetailed description of the invention and the associated figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be readily understood by the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, wherein likereference numerals designate like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a system for obtaining dynamic media assetinformation according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for obtainingdynamic media asset information at a client computing device accordingto one embodiment.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrates screen shots of an exemplary show time userinterface according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 4A-4E illustrate screen shots of another exemplary show time userinterface according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of another example method forobtaining dynamic media asset information at a client computing deviceaccording to one embodiment.

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C illustrate screen shots of an exemplary show timeuser interface according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of a computing device according toone embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention allow a user of an electronic device toobtain dynamic media asset information, such as media assets informationconcerning events. The obtained media asset information can also bepresented via the electronic device in a convenient and efficientmanner.

The electronic device can, for example, be a computing device. Examplesof a computing device include a personal computer (e.g., desktopcomputer, notebook computer, netbook computer, etc.), or a portablehandheld electronic device (e.g., Portable Digital Assistant (PDA),portable media player, multi-function mobile telephone, etc.).

The following detailed description is illustrative only and is notintended to be in any way limiting. Other embodiments will readilysuggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of thisdisclosure. Reference will now be made in detail to implementations asillustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same reference indicatorswill be used throughout the drawings and the following detaileddescription to refer to the same or like parts.

Embodiments of the invention allow users to obtain dynamic media assetinformation concerning events and dynamically present the information ina convenient and efficient manner. The media asset may be any type ofmedia asset such as a film or movie, performing arts event such as aconcert, play or opera, and the like. The media assets are typicallymade available at events in accordance with a calendar or schedule.Although not a requirement, the events can be repeating such as thereare multiple presentations available over a period of time.

Several embodiments of the invention are discussed below with referenceto FIGS. 1-7. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciatethat the detailed description given herein with respect to these figuresis for explanatory purposes as the invention can extend beyond theselimited embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for obtaining dynamic media assetinformation according to one embodiment. The system 100 can have aplurality of client computing devices 102 a, 102 n (where n is aninteger) configured to communicate with a media server 104 via network106 to dynamically obtain media asset information. Client computingdevices 102 a-n and media server 104 may be connected to network 106 viaany known wired or wireless manner. Client computing devices 102 a-n maybe any computing device such as a desktop computer, laptop, netbook, aswell as any mobile computing device such as mobile (e.g., cellular)phones, music players, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and the like.

The media server 104 can be configured to communicate with mediainformation server 108 via network 106. Although FIG. 1 illustrates onemedia information server 108 this is not intended to be limiting asmedia server 104 may be configured to communicate with any number ofmedia information severs in order to obtain media asset information. Themedia server 104 may have a media information database 110. The mediainformation database 110 may store information pertaining to a pluralityof media assets. For example, the media information database 110 mayassets. The event information may include event location data such as ageographical location and/or an address for the event site. The eventinformation may also include a plurality of show times for each of theplurality of media assets showing at the event site. The eventinformation may also contain a media image associated with each of theplurality of media assets. The media image may be any graphical imagerepresenting the media asset. In one embodiment, the media image is aposter image of a movie. In another embodiment, the media image is acompilation of images representing an event, such as a concert.

FIG. 2 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for obtainingdynamic media asset information at a client computing device accordingto one embodiment. The client computing device may receive a request formedia asset information, for a media asset at 202. The request mayinclude criteria such as a specific date, geographical or locationinformation, time of day, or any other similar search criteria. Forexample, the request for media asset information may request show timesfor a three-dimensional (3D) movie playing within zip code 95131 on Sep.1, 2010.

The client computing device may then transmit a show time request forthe media asset at 204 to a media server via a network. The request forthe media asset may include search criteria requested by the user. Themedia asset may be any type of media asset corresponding to an event,such as a film or movie, performing arts event (e.g., a concert, play oropera), business meeting, or any other similar event. The clientcomputing device may be any computing device such as a desktop computer,laptop, netbook, as well as any mobile computing device such as mobile(e.g., cellular) phone music players, PDAs, and the like. In oneembodiment, the media server may store information pertaining to themedia asset in a memory coupled to the media server. In anotherembodiment, the media server may be configured to communicate with amedia information server to obtain the information pertaining to themedia asset.

The show time request may be associated with a location reference, suchas a location of the client computing device. The location of the clientcomputing device may be obtained through any known location detectionmethod such as a zip code obtained directly from the user, positioninformation from a wireless network, an IP address for a network, aglobal positioning system (GPS), or any other known methods. Thelocation reference may be used to select the plurality of event sites inresponse to the show time request. The plurality of event sites may beselected based on proximity to the location reference. For example, allmovie theaters showing the requested media asset (e.g. movie_ABC) thatis closest to zip code 95131 may be selected.

The client computing device may receive event information for aplurality of event sites showing the requested media asset at 206 fromthe media server. The event information may contain informationpertaining to the requested media asset. For example, the eventinformation may contain event location data for each of the plurality ofevent sites. The event location data may be data such as a geographicallocation and/or an address for the event site. The event information mayalso include a plurality of show times for at least the requested mediaasset being shown at the event site. The event information may alsocontain a media image associated with each of the plurality of mediaassets. The media image may be any graphical image representing themedia asset. In one embodiment, the media asset is a movie, and themedia image is a poster image of a movie. In another embodiment, themedia image is a compilation of images representing a concert.

In one embodiment, the event information may be stored on the mediaserver. In another embodiment, the media server may obtain the eventinformation from a media information server.

The plurality of show times for the requested media asset at at leastone of the event sites may be represented on a graphical timeline at208. The graphical timeline may be displayed on a display of the clientcomputing device. Each of the plurality of show times for the eventsites may be represented by a show time indicator. The show timeindicator may be any image, symbol or representation on the graphicaltimeline. For example, the show time indicator may be a dot presented onthe graphical timeline. In another example, the show time indicator maybe a triangle displayed on the graphical timeline. The time for theshowing of the event may be indicated proximate the show time indicator,such as below the show time indicator. The show time indicators may bepositioned in chronological order on the graphical timeline. Forexample, the 10:00 am showing for a film will be displayed ahead of a12:00 pm showing for the same film on the graphical timeline. Thegraphical timeline may be presented on the display of the clientcomputing device in a horizontal manner.

In another embodiment, the show time indicators may be displayed withdifferent colors or shading. For example, a matinee showing for a moviemay be represented by a green colored show time indicator, a twilightshowing for the movie may be represented by a blue colored show timeindicator, and regular showings for the movie may be represented by ared colored show time indicator. In one embodiment, the colors orshading of the show time indicators may change based on a current time.In one embodiment, if the showing has already started, the show timeindicator may signal that the showing as occurred (or at least started)and tickets for the showing can no longer be purchased. For example, ifthe current time is 12:00 pm, all show time indicators for shows priorto 12:00 pm may be presented in a grey color. In another example, if thecurrent time is 12:00 pm, all show time indicators for shows prior to12:00 pm may be visually distinctively displayed, such as by beingdimmed.

In yet another embodiment, the graphical timeline may also be displayedwith different colors or shading. The colors or shading of the graphicaltimeline may change based on any criteria, for example, such as time ofday. For example, each portion of the graphical timeline may represent aspecific time of day. Thus, at 5:00 am, the entire graphical timelinemay be displayed as a black timeline. At 5:30 am, the portion of thegraphical timeline representing 5:00 am to 5:30 am may be changed to agrey color or any other color representing the fact that such time haselapsed. Thus, at 12:00 pm, the portion of the graphical timelinerepresenting 5:00 am to 12:00 pm may be displayed to a grey color or anyother color to represent the lapse in time. In one embodiment, show timeindicators displayed on the graphical timeline may also be changed tothe grey color, similar to the graphical timeline, to indicate that timehas elapsed and the showing has already occurred.

A map image depicting a geographic area derived from the eventinformation for each of the plurality of event sites may be presented at210. The map image may include a map indicator representing the locationof the event sites on the map image. The map indicator may be any typeof indicator such as a dot, arrow, line, or any other indicator to showthe location of the event site. The scale of the geographical areadepicted by the map image may be proportional to the location of theevent sites being displayed. For example, the map image may depict five(5) event locations showing the media asset. In such case, the map imagecan be derived from the five (5) event location. For example, the mapimage can cover a region that includes, or scaled to include, each ofthe five (5) event locations.

A determination is made as to whether he client computing devicereceives a user input to select a next subset of event sites at 212 tobe displayed on the display of the client computing device. If theclient computing device receives the user input for the next subset ofevent sites, the display of the computing device may be updated todisplay the next subset of event sites at 214. The plurality of showtimes for the requested media asset for the next subset of event sitesmay be represented on updated graphical timelines similar to thegraphical timelines as discussed above. Additionally the map image isalso updated such that the geographic area depicted is derived from theevent information of the next subset of event sites. In one embodiment,the plurality of event sites within the original set of event sites arein closer proximity to the location reference than are the event siteswithin the next subset of event sites. Thus, the scale of thegeographical area depicted by the map image may be larger for the nextsubset of event sites than the scale of the geographical area for theoriginal event sites.

In one embodiment, the graphical timelines and the map image areconcurrently displayed on the display of the client computing device. Inanother embodiment the graphical timeline, the map image, and the atleast one media image are concurrently displayed on the display of theclient computing device. In one embodiment, the first graphical timelineand the map image may be substantially superimposed river the at leastone media image, and in such case one or both the first graphicaltimeline and the map image can be partially translucent.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrates screen shots of an exemplary show time userinterface according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3A, the userinterface 300 may illustrate, show time information for media assetMovie A 320. The user interface 300 may have a criteria section 328 toallow the user to provide specific criteria. The criteria selection 328may allow the user to select or input a specific media asset or locationreference, such as a city and state, or zip code. As illustrated, theuser may also select or input, a specific showing date for the mediaasset. FIG. 3A illustrates the show times for Media A on August 14 andFIG. 3B illustrates the show times for Media A on August 12.

The user interface 300 may have a first section 302 displaying aplurality of graphical timelines 304 a, 304 b, 304 n. Each of thegraphical timeline 304 a-n may be associated with one event site 306 a,306 b, 306 n. For example, graphical timeline 304 a may be associatedwith Site A 306 a and graphical timeline 304 b may be associated withSite B 306 b, and graphical timeline 304 n may be associated with Site N306 n.

Each of the graphical timelines 304 a-n may also represent a pluralityof show times 308 a, 308 b, 308 n for Movie A 320 showing at each of theevent sites 306 a-n. For example, Site A 306 a may be showing Movie A320 at show times 10:25 am, 1:30 pm, 4:40 pm, 7:50 pm, and 11:00 pm. Inanother example, Site B may show Movie A 320 at show times 12:50 pm 4:10pm, 7:35 pm, and 11:00 pm. In yet another example, Site N may show MovieA 320 at show times 11:45 am, 1:15 pm, 3:20 pm, 4:40 pm, 7:05 pm, and10:30 pm.

The user interface 300 may also have a second section 10 to display amap image 312 depicting a geographic area derived from event locationdata for each event site 306 a-n. The map image 312 may have mapindicators 314 a, 314 b, 314 n, each map indicator 314 a-n may representa location of each event site 306 a-n. The map indicators 314 a-n may beany type of known indicator. As illustrated, the map indicators 314 a-nmay be illustrated as letters. However, the map indicators may be anynumber, shape, symbol, color, and the like.

As discussed above each event site 306 a-n may be selected based uponproximity to a location reference, such as a location of the clientcomputing device. Furthermore, a scale of the geographical area depictedby the map image 312 may be proportional to the location of each eventsite 306 a-n being displayed. For example, as illustrated, the map image312 may depict five event locations 306 a-n showing Movie A 320. Thescale of the geographical area may be limited to a specific city and mayeven be limited to event sites within a 25 mile radius around thespecific city.

Additionally, the graphical timelines may be updated to represent theplurality of show times for the requested media asset 320 for each ofthe next subset of event sites. Similar to the show time indicatorsdiscussed above, each of the plurality of show times on the respectivegraphical timelines for each of the next subset event sites may berepresented by a show time indicator.

Referring to FIG. 3B, upon receiving a user input selecting an eventsite, the user interface 300 may be updated to reflect the selectedevent site. Upon selection of an event site, the event site may behighlighted. As illustrated, Site B is selected and highlighted.Furthermore, map image 312 may be updated to provide additional eventinformation. As illustrated, the map indicator 322 may be expanded toinclude an address for Site B, information about the media asset (i.e.,the number of screens Movie A is showed on), the number of miles fromthe location reference, and any other similar information.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, in one embodiment, the graphical timelines304 a-n may be displayed with different colors or shading. The colors orshading of the graphical timelines 304 a-n may change based on anycriteria, for example, such as time of day. In this example, eachportion of the graphical timeline 304 a-n may represent a specific timeof day. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, graphical timeline 304 ais only partially dimmed since the current time of day is prior to 10:25am. However, as time progresses, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, thegraphical timeline 304 a, is dimmed beyond 1:15 pm to represent the factthat time has elapsed. In another embodiment, show time indicator 326displayed on graphical timeline 304 a may also be dimmed and/or changedto the same color as the graphical timeline 304 a to indicate that timehas elapsed and the showing has already occurred.

In another embodiment, the show time indicators may be displayed withdifferent colors or shading. For example, a matinee showing for a moviemay be represented by a green colored show time indicator, a twilightshowing for the movie may be represented by a blue colored show timeindicator, and regular showings for the movie may be represented by ared colored show time indicator. In one embodiment, the colors orshading of the show time indicators may change based on a current timeto illustrate whether the showing has occurred and tickets for theshowing can no longer be purchased. For example, as illustrated in FIG.3A, all the show time indicators 308 a on graphical timeline 304 a aredark and not dimmed since showings have not occurred. However, as timeprogresses, as illustrated in FIG. 3B show time indicator 326 for the1:15 pm show time is dimmed to reflect the fact that time has elapsed,the showing has occurred, and tickets for the showing cannot bepurchased.

FIGS. 4A-4E illustrate screen shots of another exemplary show time userinterface according to one embodiment. FIG. 4A illustrates a screen shotof a media image for a media asset on a user interface 400. Uponselection of the “View Trailers” indicator 402, the user may view atleast one trailer for Movie A. Furthermore, upon selection of the “FindShowtimes” indicator 404, a plurality of show times for Movie A may besearched. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, the user mayselect show times for event sites that play the media asset in 3D 406,if the media asset is capable of being presented in 3D. Alternatively,regular showings 408 of the media asset may be selected.

In response to the selection of the “Find Showtimes” indicator 404 for aregular showing 408 of the media asset, the user may be presented withshow time information for the media asset as illustrated in FIG. 4C. Theuser interface 420 may be similar to the user interface discussed inFIGS. 3A and 3B. The user interface 402 may have a criteria section 422to allow the user to provide specific criteria. The criteria selection422 may allow the user to select or input a specific media asset orlocation reference, such as a city and state or zip code. Asillustrated, the user may also select or input a specific showing datefor the media asset.

The user interface 420 may have a first section 424 displaying aplurality of graphical timelines 426 a, 426 b, 426 n. The graphicaltimelines may be similar to the timelines described in FIGS. 3A and 3B.The graphical timeline 426 a-n may be associated with one event site 428a, 428 b, 428 n. For example, graphical timeline 426 a may be associatedwith Site A 430 a and graphical timeline 426 b may be associated withSite B 430 b, and graphical timeline 426 n may be associated with Site N430 n.

Each of the graphical timelines 426 a-n may also represent a pluralityof show times 432 a, 432 b, 432 n for Movie A 434 showing at each of theevent sites 430 a-n. For example, Site A 430 a may show Movie A 434 atshow times 12:00 pm, 2:25 pm, 4:50 pm, and 7:15 pm.

The user interface 420 may also have a second section 440 to display amap image 442 depicting a geographic area derived from event locationdata for each event site 430 a-n. The map image 442 may be similar tothe map image discussed above in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The map image 442 mayhave map indicators 444 a 444 b, 444 n, each map indicator 444 a-n mayrepresent a location of each event site 430 a-n. The map indicators 444a-n may be any type of known indicator. As illustrated, the mapindicators 444 a-n may be illustrated as letters. However, the mapindicators may be any number, shape, color, and the like.

In response to the selection of the “Find Showtimes” indicator 404 for a3D showing 408 of the media asset, the user may be presented with showtime information for the media asset as illustrated in FIG. 4D. The userinterface 450 of FIG. 4D may be similar to the user interface describedin FIG. 4C. The only difference in FIG. 4D is that the event sites 432a-n show 3D showings of the media asset.

In one embodiment, the show times for the media asset may be cascaded asillustrated in graphical timeline 456. Some event sites may havenumerous show times for the media asset. As such, to preventovercrowding on the graphical timeline 456, the show times may be listedin a cascading fashion or any other efficient and orderly manner that isvisible to the user.

User interface 450 may allow the user to select a next subset of eventsites using a “Next” indicator 454. FIG. 4E illustrates a user interface460 displaying the next subset of event sites 462 a-n. The event siteswithin the first subset of event sites 452 a-n may be in closerproximity to the location reference than the event sites within the nextsubset of event sites 462 a-n. Upon selection of the “Next” indicator454, the user interface 460 can be updated to represent the next subsetof event sites 462 a-n. The map image 464 may be updated to separatelypresent a location reference for each of the next subset of events sites462 a-n. A scale of the geographical area depicted by the updated mapimage 464 pertaining to the next subset of event sites 462 a-nillustrated in FIG. 4E may be greater than the scale of the geographicalarea pertaining to the vent sites within the first subset of event sites452 a-n illustrated in FIG. 4D. In other words, as illustrated in FIG.4D, the scale of the geographical area for the first subset of eventsites 452 a-n is limited to Santa Clara County. However, the scale ofthe geographical area for the next subset of event sites 462 a-n isgreater as the map image encompasses event sites throughout the entireBay area, including San Francisco and San Jose.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4C-4E, in one embodiment, the graphicaltimelines 426 a-n, 456 and the map image 442, 464 may be substantiallysuperimposed over the at least one media image associated with the mediaasset.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of another example method forobtaining dynamic media asset information at a client computing deviceaccording to one embodiment. A request for media asset information maybe received at a client computing device at 502. The request for mediaasset information may include criteria such as a specific date,graphical or location information, or any other similar criteria. Forexample, the request for media asset information may request show timesfor movies playing within zip code 95131 on Sep. 1, 2010.

A show time request for at least one event site may be transmitted to amedia server at 504. The media server may be the media server describedin FIG. 1. The client computing device may receive event information forthe at least one event site at 506. The event information may includefor example, event location data for the at least one event site. Theevent location data may be data such as a geographical location and/oran address for the event site. The event information may also include aplurality of show times for each media asset showing at the at least oneevent site. The event information may also contain a media imageassociated with each media asset showing at the at least one event site.The media image may be any graphical image representing the media asset.In one embodiment, the media image is a poster image of a movie. Inanother embodiment, the media image is a compilation of imagesrepresenting a concert.

In one embodiment, the event information may be stored on the mediaserver. In another embodiment, the media server may obtain the eventinformation from a media information server. The media informationserver may be similar to the media information server discussed in FIG.1.

Upon receiving the event information, media images associated with eachmedia asset showing at the at least one event site may be displayed on adisplay of the client computing device at 508. Additionally, a map imagedepicting a geographical area derived from the event information for theat least one event site may be presented at 510. The map image may besimilar to any of the map images described above, such as in FIGS. 3Aand 3B.

If the client computing device detects a cursor hovering over a mediaimage at 512, the next show time for the media asset associated with themedia image may be displayed at 514 on the display of the clientcomputing device.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C illustrate screen shots of an exemplary show timeuser interface according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 6A, theuser interface 600 may have a criteria section 602 to allow the user toprovide specific criteria. The criteria selection 602 may allow the userto select or input a location reference, such as a city and state or zipcode. As illustrated, the user may also select or input a specificshowing date for the media asset. FIG. 6A illustrates that the userwould like to search for theaters closest to Cupertino, Calif. that areopen on August 12.

The user interface 600 may have a first section 610 to present a listingof the event cites 612 a, 612 b, 612 n. FIG. 6A illustrates five eventcites closest to Cupertino, Calif. As discussed above, each event site612 a-n may be selected based upon proximity to a location reference,such as a location of the client computing device.

The user interface 600 may have a second section 604 displaying aplurality of media images 606 a, 606 b, 606 n. Each of the plurality ofmedia images 606 a-n may be associated with each media asset showing atthe respective event site. The media image may be any graphical imagerepresenting the media asset. In one embodiment, the media image is aposter image of a movie. In another embodiment, the media image is acompilation of images representing a concert.

The user interface 600 may also have a third section 620 presenting amap image 622 depicting a geographic area derived from event locationdata for each event site 612 a-n listed in the first section 610. In oneembodiment, the map image 622 may have map indicators (not shown)representing a location of each event site 612 a-n. The map indicatorsmay be any letter, number, shape, color, or the like depicting thelocation

Upon receipt of a user selection selecting one of the event sites, themap image 622 may display an expanded map indicator 624 to display anaddress for Site A 626, the number of miles from the location reference,and any other similar information. In one embodiment and as illustratedin FIG. 6A, when an event site is selected, the event site may behighlighted. For example, Site A 626 may be highlighted.

Referring now to FIG. 6B, upon detection of a cursor hovering over oneof the media images, the next show time 628 for the media assetassociated with the media image may be displayed on the display of t heclient computing device. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6B, a userinput indicator (not shown), such as a cursor, hovering over Movie A 630will cause the next show time 628 for Movie A to be displayed. Asillustrated, the next show time 628 for Movie A 630 shows at 2:00 pm.

Referring now to FIG. 6C, upon receipt of a user selection selectinganother event site, such as Site B 632, the user interface 640 may beupdated to reflect the media assets showing at the another event site.The first section 610 may be updated to reflect selection of the anotherevent site. For example, the previously selected Site A 626 may beun-highlighted, and Site B 632 may be highlighted. The second section604 may also be updated to reflect the media assets playing at the eventsite. Media images 650 associated with each of the media assets (i.e.,Movies A-N) playing at Site B 632 may be displayed. A user inputindicator (not shown), such as a cursor, hovering over Movie D may causethe next show time 628 for Movie D to be displayed. The locationindicator 654 may also be updated in the third section 620 to reflectthe new event site selected.

FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of a computing device according toone embodiment. The computing device 700 can represent circuitry of arepresentative computing device (e.g., client computing device), mediaserver, or media information server described and illustrated in FIG. 1.

The computing device 700 includes a processor 702 that pertains to amicroprocessor or controller for controlling the overall operation ofthe computing device 700. The computing device 700 stores media datapertaining to media items in a file system 704 and a cache 706. The filesystem 704 is, typically, semiconductor memory (e.g., Flash memory)and/or one or more storage disks. The file system 704 typically provideshigh capacity storage capability for the computing device 700. However,since the access time to the file system 704 can be relatively slow, thecomputing device 700 can also include the cache 706. The cache 706 is,for example, Random-Access Memory (RAM). The relative access time to thecache 706 is typically shorter than for the file system 704. However,the cache 706 does not have the large storage capacity of the filesystem 704. The computing device 700 also includes a RAM 720 and aRead-Only Memory (ROM) 722. The ROM 722 can store programs, utilities orprocesses to be executed in a non-volatile manner. The RAM 720 providesvolatile data storage, such as for the cache 706.

The computing device 700 may also include user input device 708 thatallows a user of the computing device 700 to interact with the computingdevice 700. For example, the user input device 708 can take a variety offorms, such as a button, keypad, dial, touch-sensitive surface, etc.Still further, the computing device 700 includes a display 710 (screendisplay) that can be controlled by the processor 702 to displayinformation to the user. A data bus 711 can facilitate data transferbetween at least the file system 704, the cache 706, the processor 702,an audio coder/decoder (CODEC) 712 and/or a video CODEC 715.

In one embodiment, for example, if the computing device 700 is a mediaplayer, the computing device 700 may store a plurality of media items(e.g., songs, videos, podcasts, etc.) in the file system 704. When auser desires to have the computing device play a particular media item,a list of available media items is displayed on the display 710. Then,using the user input device 708, a user can select one of the availablemedia items. The processor 702, upon receiving a selection of aparticular media item, supplies the media data to one or moreappropriate output devices. If the particular media item is encrypted,the particular media item is first decrypted as noted above, which couldinvolve one or more layers of encryption. As an example, for audiooutput, the processor 702 can supply the media data (e.g., audio file)for the particular media item to the audio CODEC 712. The audio CODEC712 can then produce analog output signals for a speaker 714. Thespeaker 714 can be a speaker internal to the computing device 700 orexternal to the computing device 700. For example, headphones orearphones that connect to the, computing device 700 would be consideredan external speaker. As another example, for video output, the processor702 can supply the media data (e.g., video file) for the particularmedia item to the video CODEC 715. The video CODEC 715 can then produceoutput signals for the display 710 and/or the speaker 714.

The computing device 700 also includes a network/bus interface 716 thatcouples to a data link 718. The data link 718 allows the computingdevice 700 to couple to another device (e.g., a host computer, a powersource, or an accessory device). The data link 718 can be provided overa wired connection or a wireless connection. In the case of a wirelessconnection, the network/bus interface 716 can include a wirelesstransceiver.

The various aspects, features, embodiments or implementations of theinvention described above can be used alone or in various combinations.

Embodiments of the invention can, for example, be implemented bysoftware, hardware, or a combination of hardware and software.Embodiments of the invention can also be embodied as computer readablecode on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium is anydata storage device that can store data, in a non-transitory manner,which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of thecomputer readable medium generally include read-only memory andrandom-access memory. More specific examples of computer readable mediumare tangible and include Flash memory, EEPROM memory, RAM memory, memorycard, CD-ROM, DVD, hard drive, magnetic tape, and optical data storagedevice. The computer readable medium can also be distributed overnetwork-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code isstored and executed in a distributed fashion.

In accordance with embodiments of the invention, the components, processstops, and/or data structures may be implemented using various types ofoperating systems, computing platforms, computer programs, and/orgeneral purpose machines. In addition, those of ordinary skill in theart will recognize that devices of a less general purpose nature, suchas hardwired devices, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs),application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or the like, may alsobe used without departing from the scope and spirit of the inventiveconcepts disclosed herein.

Numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. However, it will become obviousto those skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced withoutthese specific details. The description and representation herein arethe common meanings used by those experienced or skilled in the art tomost effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled inthe art. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components,and circuitry have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarilyobscuring aspects of the present invention.

In the foregoing description, reference to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment can beincluded in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances ofthe phrase,“in one embodiment” “or one example” in various places in thespecification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment,nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of otherembodiments. Further, the order of blocks in process flowcharts ordiagrams representing one or more embodiments of the invention do notinherently indicate any particular order nor imply any limitations tothe invention.

The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparentfrom the written description. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the inventionshould not be limited to the exact construction and operation asillustrated and described. Hence, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to as falling within the scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:

1. A method for obtaining dynamic media asset information at a client computing device, comprising: transmitting, from the client computing device to a media server, show time request for a media asset, the show time request being associated with a location reference; receiving, at the client computing device, event information for a plurality of event sites showing the requested media asset, the event information including at least (i) event location data for each of the plurality of event sites and (ii) a plurality of show times for the requested media asset at each of the plurality of event sites, wherein the plurality of event sites are selected based upon proximity to the location reference; representing the plurality of show times for the requested media asset at at least a first one of the event sites on a first graphical timeline displayed on a display associated with the client computing device, each of the plurality of show times for the first one of the event sites being represented by a show time indicator; and presenting a map image depicting a geographic area derived from the event information for each of the plurality of event sites, the map image including a map indicator representing the location of at least one of the plurality of event sites on the map image. 